while the elected officials know they need to be more visible. >> mr. speaker, we ought to be here working, addressing these challenges. >> reporter: under pressure to show up, even if there is no deal to consider, congress will work this holiday weekend. the deadline is so close, outgoing members have already packed up their offices and need to move out while the harsh tone is going nowhere. >> the american people, i don't think understand the house of representatives is operating without the house of representatives. it's being operated with a dictatorship of the speaker. >> the president shows, instead, to spend his time on the campaign trail. >> reporter: what's at stake is real money for every american worker and family. >> the average family earning $50,000 to $75,000 a year will see their taxes rise $2400 in 2013. >> reporter: income tax rates go up at every level. taxes on capital gains and dividends will jump. the 2% payroll tax holiday ends. the alternative minimum tax will hit more families. long-term unemployment benefits expire. >> sad it g